Archival KL by Karl Lagerfeld Silk Jacquard Dress — 1980s Made in W. Germany NOS M
Archival KL by Karl Lagerfeld Silk Jacquard Dress — 1980s Made in W. Germany NOS M
## Provenance & Historical Significance
**MUSEUM GRAIL: ARCHIVAL "KL" BY KARL LAGERFELD SILK JACQUARD BALLON DRESS**
An investment-grade fashion artifact from the ultimate golden era of Karl Lagerfeld’s personal eponymous mainline. Verified via the historical woven label stating its rare "Made in W.-Germany" pedigree, this avant-garde evening dress stands as a monument to the late 1980s power-romance movement, dating precisely between 1988 and October 1990. Designed during the exact years when Lagerfeld was simultaneously revolutionizing the house of Chanel, this piece showcases his genius for blending architectural sharpness with historical European opulence. This fully documented, museum-grade garment represents an elite rarity for private fashion archives, fashion historians, and design institutions globally.
## Design & Structural Architecture
A precision tailoring tour de force engineered to juxtapose a streamlined silhouette with dramatic, voluminous structural movement.
* **The Structured Crêpe Bodice:** Features a classic, elegant square-scoop neckline that frames the collarbone beautifully. The long sleeves lead into slightly padded, tailored shoulders that anchor the definitive late 80s silhouette.
* **The Iridescent Silk Balloon Skirt:** The dropped waistline releases into a magnificent, two-tiered balloon skirt profile. Draped masterfully to structural perfection, the hem rolls inward to create immense kinetic volume while remaining structural when stationary.
* **The Architectural Statement Bow:** The front waistline is punctuated by an oversized, structured statement bow executed in the same heavy silk brocade, adding theatrical, multi-dimensional depth to the overall evening silhouette.
* **The Streamlined Closure:** Engineered with a fully concealed, color-matched original rear zipper that ensures a completely flat-lying, undisturbed back profile along the moving anatomy.
## Textile & Material Science
A masterclass in advanced luxury textile composition and optical color dynamics.
* **The Bodice Structure:** Executed in a specialized premium hybrid crêpe weave consisting of 56% Viscose, 34% Cotton, 9% Modal, and 1% Elastane. This custom composition provides a deep, matte-black texture with just enough engineered elasticity to contour the upper anatomy flawlessly while remaining highly breathable.
* **The Skirt Brocade:** The skirt and bow are constructed from 100% Pure Silk (Seta/Soie) woven into a high-gauge, multi-tone floral jacquard. The weaving technique yields an iridescent effect under editorial studio lights, shifting dynamically between deep midnight violet, metallic magenta, and dark emerald green. This heavy silk fabrication ensures the balloon architectural tiers retain their factory-crisp volume over decades.
Curator’s Condition & Transparency Report
* **Classification:** NOS (New Old Stock) / Deadstock Archival Condition (Grade A+ Vault Quality).
* **Preservation State:** Pristine, unworn archival condition. The rich silk jacquard retains its complete original factory finish, structure, and intense chromatic depth. Absolute zero evidence of sun-fading, edge friction, pilling, thread pulls, or laundering stress.
* **Authentication & Hardware Integrity:** Flawless. Features the house's original woven white "KL by Karl Lagerfeld" main label and the separate "Made in W.-Germany" origin tag in immaculate condition. The rear zipper tracks smoothly and securely.
**The Epoche-Certified Shopping Bag:** This museum-grade artifact is accompanied by its ultra-rare, original paper shopping bag from the elite late-1980s retailer "mode schmidt" located on Schadowstraße 57, 4000 Düsseldorf. Featuring the historical 4-digit German postal code (pre-1993) and the iconic red "KL" typography, this document provides absolute unassailable provenance and represents an extraordinary find for fashion historians and design archives.
## Specifications & Measurements
* **House / Brand:** KL by Karl Lagerfeld (Late 1980s Mainline - Made in West Germany)
* **Marked Size:** D 40 / FR 42 / IT 46
* **Size Tendency Note:** Fits smaller than modern luxury sizing. Thanks to the elastic composition of the bodice, this piece fits beautifully onto a modern European Size 38 / Medium (US 6-8 / UK 10-12). Please review the exact flat measurements below.
### Flat Measurements (Laid Flat & Unstretched)
* **Shoulder-to-Shoulder:** 47 cm / 18.5"
* **Pit-to-Pit (Chest):** 48 cm / 18.9"
* **Total Length (From Shoulder to Hem):** 99 cm / 39.0"
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A Note on Archival Fashion
Please keep in mind that these rare pieces have lived a past life. Minimal signs of wear or a natural patina are entirely normal and part of their unique history.
Care & Condition
I treat every garment with the utmost respect. Each piece is carefully hand-washed, steamed, or ozone-treated so it reaches you in beautiful, ready-to-wear condition. However, due to the age and nature of vintage textiles, a very faint vintage scent may occasionally linger.
Sizing & Fit
To showcase the intended drape and silhouette in our editorial photos, garments that are larger than the model may be subtly pinned. Please never rely on the photos alone for sizing; always use the detailed flat-lay measurements provided in the description to ensure a perfect fit.
Color Accuracy
We strive to capture the true essence of each garment, though slight color variations may occur depending on the lighting and your screen's calibration.
Boutique Policies
To ensure absolute fairness for all of our collectors, we operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. We do not accept reservations or higher bids on items that have already been sold. Additionally, as our prices reflect the rarity, authentication, and extensive restoration of each piece, they are strictly non-negotiable. Please take the time to review all measurements and details carefully before securing your piece.
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